The Russian forward passed Gordie Howe with the goal, who scored his 786 goals for Detroit.

- It is obviously a big moment.

The last few games have been big milestones and unfortunately we didn't get the win, but it's a special moment and it's nice to have both my kids, my wife and the supporters here.

My parents were watching from Moscow, so it was special, says the goalscorer according to AP.

Lost the match

History writing notwithstanding, it turned out to be a rather sad story for Washington.

Arizona, which provided the opposition, scored three goals in the final period and won the game 3–2.

Washington has thus lost four games in a row, despite the fact that in all cases they had the lead.

The team is missing eight outfield players due to injuries, including Swedes Nickas Bäckström and Carl Hagelin.

But Washington can't blame the losses on the injuries, even though those absent are clearly missed on the ice, according to Ovetchkin.

- No excuses of course, he says, and adds that it is important not to panic and think that everything is done.

Swedes involved in Toronto victory

Toronto snapped Boston's seven-game winning streak when the Canadiens hosted.

Auston Matthews scored both Toronto goals in the 2–1 win, with Brad Marchand providing the Boston goal.

William Nylander played until one of Matthews' goals, and Timothy Liljegren was on the ice for the first time this season, after surgery over the summer.

Fellow defender Rasmus Sandin played his hundredth NHL game.

There was also a Swedish goalkeeper duel.

Linus Ullmark was responsible for a fine effort in the Boston goal despite the loss, while Erik Källgren had to slip into the third period after Ilja Samsonov had problems with his knee.

Källgren saved the seven shots he received.

- It felt quite good.

Of course, coming in after two periods is not ideal.

I had to sit still for a long time so I was a little stiff and cold, but I got a couple of shots at the beginning and kind of got into it, he says according to nhl.com.

ARCHIVE: Here Ovechkin touched on Jagr's note (March 9):

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Alexander Ovechkin and Jaromir Jagr.

Photo: TT